escordvi | « test sail »

Entry tags:

« test sail »

Welcome to the first Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on August 25th and apply on September 1st. Our Interest Check can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice. If undecided, put "Undecided" for the Armada.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carryover the threads. We'll have more armada focused prompts in the opening log in September. The log itself is set to cover the next two weeks, until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR MAGIC USERS!! All magic abilities will be "sealed" until characters get their tattoo from the Inkwave parlor in Eltrut. That means no magic on the starter ships before docking.

We do require TDM threads for samples for our application!

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated August 28)

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the look out for such a thing and calls for help to throw a lifesaver get the rowboat will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

After reaching the port of Eltrut, several birdfolk will appear and happily greet all the new arrivals from both starter ships. Here it doesn't matter which side they are affiliated with, as long as they keep those swords and weapons sheathed and not pointed at each other's throats. The birdfolk will even act as guides, showing them the main places they should visit and give them a visitor's map to help guide them.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

It's a lot to take in for sure, with the port city bustling with all walks of life. Not only do they have both armadas mingling with each other, there are different races and species from all over Escordvi gathered here. It's not just humans, which many riftfarers always seem to be surprised about. There are also plenty of veteran riftfarers who will gladly give some advice and even share stories of their world. Maybe some are familiar.

After finding their belongings, exploring the town, and meeting other people, being able to just sit back and enjoy a drink and warm meal will be in order. While there are plenty of places to choose from, the Minstrel and Cask will be the top recommended tavern for all newcomers to visit at least once. Great drinks, great food, and can learn a lot from the patrons or meet more people.

Of course, as expected of a highly popular tavern, it's not always peaceful. A man will ask travelers what they want to do with their life. Clearly drunk, he only accepts answers that hint at wanting to find riches. If told this he will give out a treasure map. But if told anything else, he'll put up a fight, hoping to deliver a black eye. Those who do receive the map will be sorely disappointed—it will lead them down a long, winding, circuitous path around town and end at a random outhouse, likely occupied and certainly stinking to high heavens. There's likely some kind of moral here, but at some point, others who have been duped will return to the tavern to sling their fists around.

Looks like another tavern brawl for the night.

QUESTS

For those who want to try their hand at some quests, there are a few that would do well for newcomers. Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there.

Spicy Squid Eating Challenge

Eltrut Port

There is a traveling food ship (think food truck but on the water) that has been going around challenging ships to their extraordinary Hornswaggle's Spicy Squid Eating Challenge. If participants can scarf down a prepared three-pound bowl of exceptionally spicy ghost pepper squid and rice, they will win their meal for free as well as a crate of dried spicy squid for their ship's stores. If participants fail, they will have to pay for the meal and the crate.

...Careful, are some of the squid tentacles still moving?

Coral Reef Snacks

Eltrut

Rumour has it that certain types of coral reefs contain unique properties that can make you more alluring to the one you desire, but no one is sure what the side effects are. Test this out by trying to crunch into chunks of coral reef pieces to see if there are any added effects on your body. Hopefully, they don't ruin your teeth in the meantime.

Oh, and you have to find the correct coral reef too! Red chunks seem to make you more affectionate towards others, while blue chunks seem to make you more volatile towards others. Eaters, beware!

Giant Sea Slugs

Starter Ships

Giant sea slugs tend to only attack ships if they feel threatened but are otherwise peaceful creatures. They're about the size of a large wild cat. They also secrete a slime that contains strong disinfectant properties. This thick slime is highly sought after for its ability to heal wounds cleanly, so kill them and collect as much slime as possible.

Killer Sharkgulls

Eltrut port and ships

Seagulls can be a pain to most ships. Yet, seagulls that have evolved to be violently carnivorous can be even worse. These new birds, effectively named sharkgulls, have been seen attacking ships and ports alike. They are big enough to eat small children in one gulp or will do their best to eat full-grown humans after they've ripped them to bite-sized shreds. Beware and kill them before they can kill you!

Siren's Serenade

Out at Sea

A merchant's ship has crashed upon an outcropping of rocks after being lured in by a group of rogue sirens. These captivating creatures possess the power to ensnare their prey with their enchanting voices, luring unsuspecting souls into the depths to meet the grim fate of drowning.

Search for the missing ship and help rescue the captive sailors before it's too late! You will be supplied with special earplugs to muffle out the siren's voices so be careful to keep your ears effectively plugged. You don't want to succumb to the siren's bloodlust yourself.

Any sailors or rescuers affected by the siren's song can be treated with a harpy's potion that can reverse the song's effect. Or tie up the afflicted for twenty-four hours to wait out the effects.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes, that kind of dangerous. The kinds of books you have to hide behind lock and key, and then they still fight you when you try and read them.

Yes, I noticed. It seemed the perfect spot to stop and finish my drink.

[Dangerous people made better friends than strangers, that was a lesson one learned quickly in the Underdark. Or 'allies' perhaps would be a better word, 'friend' was often more questionable. He sipped his drink, examining the mask from where he sat as Reaper tapped upon it.]

And a statement it certainly makes, you're the very figure of a harbinger of death. Without all the unnecessary grotesque touches I've seen so many others have, when they attempt to achieve the look. I personally appreciate the lack of gore and necklace made of thumbs, this is far more elegant.

I suppose this means then that you had little trouble finding your things?

[ Tyr would definitely mind, that guy is unflinching. But Xenk smiles all the same. He does love being 'inarguable,' that's true justice for you. ]

Of course. Compassion is one of the tenets of my oath. I do not act without provocation, nor do I cast judgement over those who are undeserving.

[ You gotta earn his charity, in other words. By being kind. ]

Such magical items could bring great peril in the wrong hands.

[ He gives Jarlaxle a look. Are you the wrong hands, Jarlaxle? ]

[It was almost like a dance, getting to that bed. Each step mattered, he didn't want to fall and take Astarion with him after all, nothing quite ruined romance like a sprained elbow.

It would happen, but only when the bed was well within reach, the drow catching Astarion's mouth whenever he could along the way in kiss after kiss until he tugged him one more time into the bed. There was a slight clink, just a light rattle of a little glass; he'd managed to snag a small flask of oil before their little waltz over here. Consideration was important after all, and nothing was better than foreplay.

The bottle would be left atop the head of the mattress for the moment however, as Jarlaxle would move to place himself atop his partner, pressed close as he placed kiss after hot kiss upon him. Under the jaw, then down the neck. Slowly but surely moving downwards little by little, it seemed the destination was quite clear.]

[There was a low hum, the sound could have been in some sort of agreement, or just a bit of response at all. Was free to finish the drink- spot was good to observe the tavern from, and in the right spot that the voices of those around carried just enough. Picked for the ease of eavesdropping, gathering information without having to speak to anyone.

Worked for him, and also meant he could pick out anyone if he did decide to 'follow-up' on anything that caught his attention.]

This is far, far easier for upkeep, and serves the purpose well as that.

[Didn't call him Reaper for nothing—]

My gear was hidden on the ship, under far too many crates and barrels on the back end. Map pointed there, and I simply had to move things to find the chest.

Did any of them arrive in your chest? Seems like it could be an unpleasant surprise to open, were that the case.

Unfortunately not. [ he sighs ] I was working on getting through one before I arrived here, but alas. It'll have to wait.

[ Isn't it always? Well, Xenk doesn't ask that, but that's what most would think of when they think of Baldur's Gate. That city can't seem to exist without some manner of crisis. Not that fighting Baahlspawn isn't right up Xenk's alley, but it's not the kind of place where you can just kill the bad guys and cheer for the good guys. ]

Your city faces crisis beyond crisis, yet politics persist.

[ Believe it or not, Xenk actually... sighs. He can't do politics! But also he doesn't want to seem impolite. ]

I mean no offense. There is an ease to the frontiers that one cannot find in the city.

What was it about? If you don't mind my curiosity.

It would, it must be collected immediately. I can't afford someone untrustworthy running off with it.

[He looked back, the motion casual, his expression decidedly more serious than it had been prior.]

I collect these things, you see, I'm quite passionate about it. And they're all quite rare and quite precious to me. You have my word that I'd not use them idly.

[It will take a few minutes longer than she would like before Cid realizes she's gone. So absorbed was he that he's actually surprised when he turns to call her to once again point out something that he finds her gone.

Seeing him confused, one of the techs point him out the door, and with a slight rush of panic he rushes out. Curse his penchant to get lost in new inventions. He can only hope she didn't actually disappear—]

Benedikta!

[There's some relief as he sees her waiting for him. He's...actually surprised she did. This would have been a perfect chance for her to just leave, and yet...

...

He's not sure what to make of that, but for now he'll just play it normally.]

Looks like I got a bit carried away.

[A bit.]

[Honestly, Valo is a much better partner than Eustace—

But as strange as Astarion seems to be... The world of Granblue and the members of the Grandcypher are filled with different types of people and races—including vampires, ghosts, and others who will just smell and taste strange. Whether or not Valo has met with them all whose to say, but while it is certainly strange...

Astarion is not someone whom Valo will back down from. Weird dead corpse smell or not, the guy's alive and moving around, and he called him a good dog! At least for now Valo thinks he's all right. Judgment may change in the future, but it seems all right for now.

Eustace, of course, is a little more suspect...granted he's like that to everyone, so nothing really specific about Astarion, aside from the poor beginning. But seeing Valo's behavior, he can't help but wonder a little.]

Should he be concerned?

Lucky devil.

[The map. He pulled his own out with a faint hint of frustration, placing it on the table as if it had personally offended him.]

Mine appears to be buried in the sand, I'll spend half the night looking for it at this rate. I was hoping to find some help in locating it, but most of the patrons here are too lost in their drink. If only I'd rolled onto the shore earlier.

I apologize, I'm rambling a touch, and I haven't even asked your name.

[Or pseudonym or code name. Honestly from the other man's demeanor and attire, he expected the latter two rather than the former.]

Ach, it's not just the speech, lad. It's the whole presentation. Even if we can't fix the speech, can work on other things to make you seem more...personable.

[Wait.]

Were you on the Stormbringer or Royal Fortune?

[He's PRETTY SURE which one it is, but might as well ask to be sure.]

[ Jarlaxle is every bit the partner he assumed he'd be, and so they safely get to the bed without any accidents.

Astarion falls into bed easily. He stares up at the drow with desire and need, pulling him down for another kiss. But this one he interrupts himself when he hears the little rattle of the glass. His lips part and he draws in a breath, knowing well what comes next.

He expects them to get to that point quickly. He doesn't expect the kisses, the hot and yet somehow still gentle attention. The kisses against his neck make him shudder with delight. And then there's the suggestion of more, still. ]

You....

[ Nope!!! He holds his tongue. No way he's about to tell him not to do that, he's not going to self-sabotage to that degree. instead he'll just find somewhere to put his hands, which right now is one hand on Jarlaxle's shoulder and another on his head. ]

[ He'd so much better if he had his magic, but alas. For now, he seems to have helped whatever affliction troubles the boy, so that's a win in his book. ]

Indeed.

[ He smiles. He has no idea what that means, but the tone seems positive enough for him to agree. ]

This way. Let us procure a change of clothes before we catch cold.

[ He's gonna lead the way! ]

Edited 2023-08-23 05:04 (UTC)

[ Jarlaxle might have noticed he said it was a Faroan royal, not an Arnesian one. Alucard is hardly offended by the nonchalance. ]

They have an Unmasking Ceremony now. The finalists are made to fight without their masks.

[ He gives a soft huff. ]

They do serve drinks. The games are three rounds with competitors facing off one on one, and each round makes for more allowances of magic to be used. The final round pits the top three competitors against one another all at once, and the only rule is to be the last one standing with a piece of armor on you. The best magician wins.

[ Oh yeah, Eustace. He was here too for this Good Boy(tm) moment. Astarion seems almost disappointed that he spoke up. ]

What, about licking me? No.

Necromancy.

[ Is that off putting?? He hopes not. ]

[Is it odd that the panic that she hears in his voice and the relief that follows when he finds her still out in the hallway, waiting, pleases her somewhat? Gives her an odd flicker of pride in her chest? Makes her stomach do a little flip, her heart skip a single beat, that he rushed out to find her? That he thought of her?

...

Yes, it is, and as she pushes herself away from the wall, dropping that pendant back into her pocket, she shoves them away. Stomps on them and curses herself for the hundredth time today for it.]

A bit?

[Definitely an understatement, but whatever.]

I didn't want to interrupt.

[She wouldn't dare, lest he figure her out, so like him, she tries to play it off as normal as she can manage.]

Are you finished?

Very.

[Devil's own luck here and there.

His head tipped a little so that he could get a look at that map- a low hiss of a sympathetic sound given what he could put together. Was certainly out there, but given this was all on a turtle's shell, could have been in far worse places given the giant turtle that shell belonged to.]

Might find some helpful man with a strong back that hasn't drank themselves into a stupor still. Enough of them come and go through those doors, after all.

Reaper.

[He figured that was likely close to expected, given the pointed out appearance of his.]

[ He really just needs a notepad or something, but that might actually be hard to come by on the ship. He follows Xenk dutifully to get a change of clothes. He's still dripping a little bit, but he's fine.

He'll accept whatever they give him, it'll probably be too big and change where he's directed so he's not soaking wet and shivering in the cool air. ]

[ It does certainly earn an eyebrow raise. ]

A work of fiction where I'm from. Dragons as well.

[ More...personable? He gets along with his dragoons just fine, he's plenty personable, he's just uncomfortable which is making him even more stiff and formal than usual. ]

The Royal Fortune. [ Does that matter? ]

Well, they're both very much real where I'm from.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 64 of 190

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject